A New Design for Interlochen

Interlochen, Michigan (October 29, 2007) – Green Lake Township has been selected to participate in the Michigan State University’s Small Town Design Initiative. Over the next four to six months, the Small Town Design Initiative will be developing a design for the Interlochen village area. Michigan State University personnel will be holding the first of three visioning sessions on November 7th. The Small Town Design Initiative students’ design efforts will focus on Interlochen village areas entrance corridors and streetscape designs.

Earlier this year, the Green Lake Township Board established the Interlochen Improvement District Authority. The Authority’s board is made up of area business owners and residents. Both the Authority and the Green Lake Township Planning Commission have recently developed plans for the Interlochen Village area.  “The Small Town Design Initiative’s work will help us to keep the momentum moving and refine these plans for Interlochen,” said Township Supervisor Paul Biondo. “Our goal is to realize Interlochen’s potential as a vibrant shopping, recreation, and civic hub, while maintaining strong community involvement and Interlochen’s relaxed atmosphere. 
“Promoting active village centers is very much in line with current planning for the region,” added Rick Sager, Green Lake’s planning commission chairman. “Interlochen is the logical place for services and everyday shopping for the growing population in Green Lake Township and beyond.”

The Small Town Design Initiative’s first session will be held at the Interlochen Library at 9700 Riley Road in Interlochen from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. There will be refreshments served from 6:00 to 7:00 and the meeting will follow from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. The format for this first meeting will be a general input meeting focusing on Township strengths, assets, opportunities, challenges, and visions for the future of Interlochen. The general public is invited to attend, but are asked to call Krysti Baker at 276-9329 to reserved a spot.

Printed version of the above release (20KB pdf)